Dear Kids’ Church Worker –
You fed them donuts didn’t you? The left over ones from the lobby? Or maybe they were animal crackers or goldfish. Maybe those circle vanilla wafers?? Whatever their snack was… they sure loved it. Because let’s be honest they aren’t too interested in lunch now. But it’s okay. Really. I totally don’t blame you. I have been around my kids – especially when they are hungry. I understand. Feed them.
They said they had a great time today. They were able to tell me a little about the lesson. They said something about a fire and some guys and Jesus being with them. They said the guys didn’t get burned up because Jesus was with them. And really – right now, I’m not sure there is a more appropriate message. Cuz that fire… well, it’s everywhere. But now because of you, my sweet kids know that if Jesus was with those guys in the fire – He will be with them too. It was something I needed to hear too.
But you know, no matter what lesson they learned this morning – you taught them something else… just by being there. And I just wanted to take a minute to say, “Thank you.” This morning, you taught a room full of precious hearts that you care. You taught them that there are safe people in this world who love Jesus too. You taught them that Church is a place where they can be loved. You showed them God.
I know that pastor went a little over time this morning. I have been downstairs in the nursery a time or two myself so when pastor said, “Let me just say this, and then I will close” at five after 12, I thought of you. I thought of how you were probably playing clean up, or find your shoes, or changing the last of the diapers, or organizing all of the coloring pages that would go home today. I am sure as minutes ticked by you kept thinking, Any minute parents will show up to take these hungry, tired, ready-for-a-nap, kiddos home. That’s probably when you pulled out the extra snacks. That’s what I would have done.
But even though it was a few minutes longer than usual, you did it. You made it work. You didn’t lose your patience or your cool or your mind. You just kept loving those kids, knowing that for some of them it will be the most love they receive all week. What a wonderful thing you do.
I know that some weeks, you would probably rather just not show up. You would probably rather be with the adults or in regular service. I know that some weeks, this ministry might not be your very favorite… but just in case you haven’t been told in a while… at least by me…
Thank you.
Thank you for feeding my kids goldfish and the love of Jesus, so that I have the chance to be fed in church as well. Thank you for your ministry that doesn’t just touch the heart of my children, but touches every family that comes to our Church. Thank you for giving your time. Thank you for giving your love.
When it seems like your service goes unnoticed – I just want to tell you that it does not. We see the work that you are doing – and we honor it.
Because it is more than donuts and daycare. It’s the opportunity to impact destinies. And this Momma is so very grateful for all that you do.
What about you? Do you know a children’s church worker that you want to thank too? Don’t forget to share this with them.
Click here to join the community of thousands of grace-filled women who seek the Father’s heart and the opportunity to encourage one another over on Facebook. I can’t wait to get to know you!
